On 5 April 1932, Australia’s most famous racehorse, Phar Lap died in mysterious circumstances in California.

Phar Lap was born in New Zealand and then trained and raced in Australia.

Between 1929 and 1932 Phar Lap dominated Australian racing and brought hope to many during the Great Depression, winning a Melbourne Cup, two Cox Plates and 19 races.

In his final race he won the Agua Caliente Handicap in Tijuana, Mexico and before his death was third highest stakes-winner in the world.

Speculation continues as to whether Phar Lap died naturally of an infection or was poisoned with arsenic.